Renowned classical group visits Fort Worth for premiere by Native American composer

One of the world’s leading string quartets will present the Southwest premiere of an acclaimed Native American’s newest work this weekend at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The Dover Quartet will present Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s Woodland Songs, commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth and 11 other organizations from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The new work by the member of the Chickasaw Nation continues his tradition of storytelling fusing classical music traditions with the rhythms and symbols of Native American culture. Accompanying Woodland Songs are works by contemporary Native American singer and songwriter Pura Fé, American composer Jessie Montgomery and Antonin Dvořák.

Woodland Songs celebrates the five woodland animals — the squirrel, bird, deer, raccoon, and fish — representing the different clans of the Eastern Woodlands People. Characteristics of each animal are evident in the five-part suite. Squirrel, bird and racoon are energetic. Deer and fish are contemplative, prompting contemplation with warm, romantic tones. In the case of fish, he blends more oceanic and smooth tones.

Composing is his way of connecting with his Native American history

It’s not that he didn’t have Native peers interested in classical music. His struggle was how he balanced the art of a classical score with Native American harmonic traditions.

During his time studying music and composition at Northwestern University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, he still wanted to maintain his connection to his tribe.

In an interview with the National Endowment for the Arts, he described a revelation. “The beauty of this is that I learned to define my own tribe, and that’s very empowering and that’s very beautiful, and it allows me to be the best version of Jerod that I can be. I’m very proud to be my tribe’s symphonic composer,” he said.

He, however, will not be in attendance.

“I am deeply honored to have been included in this fantastic concert and part of the premiere series. It is with a heavy heart that I must step out of attending the concert this weekend. In the final hours of my opera premiere, I have found myself stretched beyond measure,” he said in a statement.

While he will not be in Fort Worth, he was excited to perform here.

“Fort Worth is a direct neighbor to the south of the Chickasaw Nation,” he said. Now audiences will have a chance to hear this music performed for his tribe on the land of Wichita, Caddo, Comanche and other tribal nations.